Since I don't see just a single thread, I guess I must start a thread to introduce myself.

Hello, all.I"m RedPop from greater New Orleans, I've been listening to Highlander Radio on Live365 since July of 2004, when I got a job where I had my own office and could listen to music without disturbing an entire library (which is my weekly profession.)

I'm a Church musician, I play the organ on weekends; husband, father, friend to a few who'll have me.

I've been enthralled with Celtic music since that fateful night, not sure of the date, long about 1985 when I wandered into Ryan's Irish Pub, then on Bourbon Street and St. Louis in New Orleans to the tunes of the Celtic Folk: Patrick O'Flaherty, Danny O'Flaherty and Noel Nash. Things change, the O'Flaherty's eventually opened their own outstanding pub but marriage and other constraints (mostly financial) kept me from continuing the traditions, but the music never left me.

O'Flaherty's Irish Channel was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina, and will likely never be, again. But Danny O'Flaherty has many friends here, and returns at least twice a month or more. But I have Highlander Radio to soothe the savage beast during the workday.

I also edit an online cigars and lifestyle magazine Cigar Weekly and I moderate the forums there, as well. We like to think we have something special going. I like to wear a nice hat most days, I sometimes read and post about that, as well. You'll hold me excused if I occasionally post links to articles on CW? I'm rather proud of our magazine whose writers all hail from the ranks of our community members.

Being from New Orleans, I love to eat good food (save for tomatoes, mushrooms, and most veggies...) My mother's side of the family came from Sicily near the turn of the 20th century. I'm less sure of my father's family, but know there's mostly German and Dutch in his lineage, although my great grandmother's last name was McQuillen (McQuillan) and when pressed, I looked up their tartan which was listed as Huntley District. I've worn it once in six or seven years.

Nice to meet all of you,Tommy

--------------------

Humility is the root, mother, nurse, foundation, and bond of all virtue. - St. John Chrysostom

Just wanted to add my welcome as well. I am a bit closer to you being in Dallas, TX. I would LOVE to enjoy the sights, sounds, and especially the food of New Orleans. I will sometime in the next few years I hope. I will let you know and maybe you can show me the Celtic side of the Big Easy.

Nice to meet you Tommy and I know you will enjoy your time spent here.

--------------------

The Scots of course insist that the pipes produce music. But the point is after all not too important. For those who love them, the pipes can evoke more vividly than any other instrument, high emotion, they can inspire valor, and tell of tragic tales of battles long ago. They can call forth merriment or sentiment. It does not matter what the sound is called, those who are deaf to its merits would not understand anyway.

If it's ok to post CW articles, I'd like to direct those of you who enjoy a "wee dram" to CigarWeekly.com.

Look in Lifestyles for a series of articles called "A Rich Pour" my managing editor, Doug Keubler, is an extraordinary person who has a love for the nectar emanating from the island north of the wall. He's a way with words that I'll never hope to rival.